Editorial: Propolis – A Natural Cure

Abstract

This editorial was prompted by a television promotion commercial of a toilet soap, "Protex", which was claimed to be superior to all other toilet soaps in the Kenyan market because it contains propolis. So, what is propolis? Propolis consists of resin exudates that ooze from tree bark. The bees mix the resin with wax they secrete from their abdomen. It then follows that its composition varies depending on the plant species, season, and geographical location. Its colour varies too, but it is generally dark brown. More than 19 compounds have been identified and include flavonoids such as betulene and isovanillin, several vitamins such as vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3, and biotin, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, cobalt and copper. It also has some unidentified antioxidant agents.